Fulfilment Services

In-house vs. Outsourcing

How do you address the fulfillment of your merchandise? The answer depends upon your own talents, the capabilities of your staff, and a myriad of other factors. It's important to remember that you simply can't do everything. It's smart to consider outsourcing those things that are the most difficult for you to manage. Whether or not outsourcing can save you money, it can mean running your business more efficiently with fewer hassles so you can focus on what you do well.

What can be outsourced effectively?

Literature fulfillment

Requests received via telephone, fax, mail or web site

Custom packaging assembly

Product fulfillment

Catalog and/or other merchandise orders

Books

Premiums/promotions

Computer software

CDs, videos, and more

Samples / point of purchase distribution

For retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, video chains, etc.

Shrink wrapping and custom packaging capabilities

Kit assembly

Sales materials

Trade association packets

Instruction/training manuals

Travel and tourism brochures

Convention group packages

Additional considerations

When you do your analysis of in-house versus outsourced operations and services, take these key issues into consideration:

Consumers today set their standards by the L.L. Beans of the world. Order today, and you'll have it tomorrow.

Are you prepared to monitor your website every few hours? Add a toll-free telephone number with a direct connection to the Information Communications Group call center to offer immediate help.

Do you have the capabilities to pack and ship properly? You will need boxes, mailing envelopes, tape, a postal scale, and a postage meter. How about enclosure cards? Other package inserts? And which service should you use -- USPS, FedEx, RPS, or UPS? Shipping is a key part of your business.

Do you have an inventory management system in place? As your business grows, it will become harder to track inventory, and not running it fast enough can sound the death toll. You can't afford to have your capital tied up in products that aren't selling, nor can you be out of products that are flying out the door. Information Communications Group can provide you with daily, weekly, or monthly inventory reports or a combination of services that will help you manage that bottom line.

Is it worth it?

On the surface, it may seem like too much effort to be worth it. You simply need to take a little time and invest money upfront to make sure your infrastructure is in place so that it is plausible to the customer and affordable for you, the business owner. Fortunately, that expertise is readily available.